plate no. 4356
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in gesture drawing, layering colors with pastels, and creating a sense of form using value and color variations. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and conveying emotion through facial expression.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow using a light brown or gray pastel.
- step 03
Begin layering in the darker values, focusing on the shadows under the figure and in the background.
- step 04
Add the mid-tones, blending the colors slightly to create a smooth transition.
- step 05
Introduce the lighter values, highlighting the areas where the light is hitting the figure.
- step 06
Add pops of color to the clothing and background, using blues, greens, and reds.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face and hands, paying attention to the expression and gesture.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust the values as needed to create a cohesive and expressive portrait.
color palette
primary · brown · blue · yellow
secondary · green · red · gray
Mix browns with blues and yellows to create variations in tone. Use gray to soften the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
- ·gesture drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the pastel and losing the freshness of the drawing.
- →Using too much pressure and creating a muddy effect.
- →Neglecting the background and making it appear flat.
- →Failing to capture the likeness and expression of the figure.
materials
surface · Pastel paper (toned)
required
- ·Pastel set (soft or hard)
- ·Pastel paper (toned)
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Blending stumps or tortillions
- ·Fixative spray
- ·Pencil
- ·Ruler
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Workable fixative
- ·Easel
Choose a pastel paper with a slightly rough texture to help the pastel adhere. Toned paper can help to create a more unified and harmonious color scheme.
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